Our Dermatology Online
© Our Dermatol Online 1.2020 50
How to cite this article: Shah FY, Bhat YJ, Zeerak S, Wani R, Hassan Shah I. Cutaneous mastocytosis mimicking hypertrophic scars: A case report. Our
Dermatol Online. 2020;11(1):50-52.
Submission: 23.02.2019; Acceptance: 04.05.2019
DOI: 10.7241/ourd.20201.12
Cutaneous mastocytosis mimicking hypertrophic Cutaneous mastocytosis mimicking hypertrophic
scars: A case report scars: A case report
Faizan Younus Shah
1
, Yasmeen Jabeen Bhat
1
, Sumaya Zeerak
1
, Roohi Wani
2
,
Iffat Hassan Shah
1
1
Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir University, J&K, India,
2
Department of
Pathology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir University, J&K, India
Corresponding author: Dr. Yasmeen Jabeen Bhat, E-mail: yasmeenasif76@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
Mast cell is a type of granulocyte derived from
myeloid stem cells. Once thought to be tissue
resident basophils, mast cells have been shown
to have a unique lineage. The mast cells have a
diverse distribution inhabiting the skin, respiratory,
gastrointestinal and genitourinary system [1].
Although best known for their role in allergy and
anaphylaxis, mast cells are now known to have
critical proinflammatory as well as immunoregulatory
roles and are intimately linked with wound healing,
angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier function [2].
Mast cells exert their functions by means of various
medaitors like histamine, leukotrienes, chemokines,
cytokines, chymase and tryptase among others.
Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by abnormal
mast cell proliferation and accumulation within various
organs, most commonly the skin when it is called
cutaneous mastocytosis. There are three main types
of cutaneous mastocytosis: maculopapular cutaneous
mastocytosis, solitary cutaneous mastocytosis and
diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis [3]. Telengiectasia
macularis eruptive perstans is regarded as a rare variant
of cutaneous mastocytosis.
The clinical presentation of cutaneous mastocytosis is
diverse with lesion morphology varying from macules,
papules, plaques and nodules, size ranging from few
millimeters to several centimeters, and colour differing
from yellow-tan to red-brown. We report a case of
cutaneous mastocytosis masquerading as hypertrophic
scars.
CASE REPORT
A 21 year old female patient presented to the out-
patient department (OPD) of the department of
dermatology of our hospital with the chief complaints
of few raised reddish brown to black lesions on the
right thigh from 3 months. The lesions were associated
with moderate to severe pruritus which would disturb
the routine activities of the patient and mandate the
use of over the counter antihistaminics for relief.
The patient also gave history of non-specific diffuse
pruritus which would occur occasionally and had a
ABSTRACT
Cutaneous mastocytosis are a group of disorders which are characterized by abnormal proliferation and accumulation
of mast cells in the skin. We report a case of a 21 year old female who presented with few isolated lesions on the thigh
which were initially misdiagnosed as hypertrophic scars by a general practitioner. However, following examination of
the case by a dermatologist, a diagnosis of cutaneous mastocytoma was suspected and confirmed with histopathological
examination.
Key words: Mastocytosis; Hypertrophic scar
Case Report